Today in Mormon History - Oct 14

"It having been given out at Conference that the Endowment House would be closed after this week, for the past few days hundreds of persons have been going through the House, in fact, great numbers have to be refused, the authorities not having time or room for them." Closing Endowment House in Salt Lake City is Brigham Young's way of guaranteeing use of the distant St. George temple. (1)
-- 135 years ago today - Oct 14, 1876

Mayor Daniel H. Wells remitted $12,000 for the relief of the sufferers by the Chicago fire. He subsequently sent another amount. (2)
-- 140 years ago today - Oct 14, 1871 (Saturday)

Ground was broken in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for the first meetinghouse in the country that will serve the three branches in Slovenia, which was once part of the former country of Yugoslavia. (3)
-- 5 years ago today - Oct 14, 2006


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

5 years ago today - Oct 14, 2006

[General] Ground was broken in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for the first meetinghouse in the country that will serve the three branches in Slovenia, which was once part of the former country of Yugoslavia.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

140 years ago today - Oct 14, 1871 (Saturday)

[General] Mayor Daniel H. Wells remitted $12,000 for the relief of the sufferers by the Chicago fire. He subsequently sent another amount.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

135 years ago today - Oct 14, 1876

[General] "It having been given out at Conference that the Endowment House would be closed after this week, for the past few days hundreds of persons have been going through the House, in fact, great numbers have to be refused, the authorities not having time or room for them." Closing Endowment House in Salt Lake City is Brigham Young's way of guaranteeing use of the distant St. George temple.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 13

[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph F. Smith Anthon H. Lund Death of John Henry Smith (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Oct 13, 1911 - 7 December 1911

Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple; Location: American Fork, Utah, US; Announcement: 3 October 1992; Dedication: 13 October 1996 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (2)
-- 15 years ago today - Oct 13, 1996

The first attack by a Mormon apostate is published when Ezra Booth's letters in the OHIO STAR are printed through Dec. 8. They are republished in the first anti-Mormon book, MORMONISM UNVAILED. Booth makes reference to the revelation on polybamy, and to the twelve unordained apostles of the church. (3)
-- 180 years ago today - Oct 13, 1831


1 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
2 - Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples
3 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower

180 years ago today - Oct 13, 1831

[General] The first attack by a Mormon apostate is published when Ezra Booth's letters in the OHIO STAR are printed through Dec. 8. They are republished in the first anti-Mormon book, MORMONISM UNVAILED. Booth makes reference to the revelation on polybamy, and to the twelve unordained apostles of the church.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

15 years ago today - Oct 13, 1996

Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple; Location: American Fork, Utah, US; Announcement: 3 October 1992; Dedication: 13 October 1996 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]

100 years ago today - Oct 13, 1911 - 7 December 1911

[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph F. Smith Anthon H. Lund Death of John Henry Smith

[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 12

[1st Presidency Changes] David O. McKay Henry D. Moyle Hugh B. Brown Henry D. Moyle called as First Counselor; Hugh B. Brown called as Second Counselor (1)
-- 50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1961 - 18 September 1963

Orson and Sarah Pratt arrive in Kirtland. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Oct 12, 1836

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Attorney FSR and LG Young considered answers that may be required on examination before Master in Chancery on 19th inst ... 2.45 pm brethren of Twelve met W[illia]m H. Dixon, FSR, & Leg. Y(?) in Presidents old office to get Dixons views on our probable answers to questions, his & our views harmonize nicely. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Oct 12, 1891


1 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
3 - Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies

120 years ago today - Oct 12, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Attorney FSR and LG Young considered answers that may be required on examination before Master in Chancery on 19th inst ... 2.45 pm brethren of Twelve met W[illia]m H. Dixon, FSR, & Leg. Y(?) in Presidents old office to get Dixons views on our probable answers to questions, his & our views harmonize nicely.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

175 years ago today - Oct 12, 1836

[General] Orson and Sarah Pratt arrive in Kirtland.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1961 - 18 September 1963

[1st Presidency Changes] David O. McKay Henry D. Moyle Hugh B. Brown Henry D. Moyle called as First Counselor; Hugh B. Brown called as Second Counselor

[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 11

Marion G. Romney is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (1)
-- 60 years ago today - Oct 11, 1951

TIME Magazine article, "The Whispered Faith," about. Modern- day polygamy in Utah. (2)
-- 40 years ago today - Oct 11, 1971

You say, "If parties are to be rebaptized regardless of how recent their first baptism may have been, &c. &c. we will cheerfully comply." In the first place we think it extremely riskey to send persons to the [Endowment] House &c. who are only "recently baptized." We think people should have an opportunity to prove themselves, before coming to the House or going to the Temple, especially [in]experienced people. They should at least "summer and winter" in the Church, and then if deemed worthy to come for sacred ordinances, agreeable to [the] letter of instructions sent to the Bishops and Presidents on this subject when the House was re-opened, they should be rebaptized for the renewal of their covenants before being recommended by the bishop. [Joseph F. Smith to William Bringhurst, Oct. 11, 1881; emphasis in original] (3)
-- 130 years ago today - Oct 11, 1881


1 - Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)
2 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship

130 years ago today - Oct 11, 1881

You say, "If parties are to be rebaptized regardless of how recent their first baptism may have been, &c. &c. we will cheerfully comply." In the first place we think it extremely riskey to send persons to the [Endowment] House &c. who are only "recently baptized." We think people should have an opportunity to prove themselves, before coming to the House or going to the Temple, especially [in]experienced people. They should at least "summer and winter" in the Church, and then if deemed worthy to come for sacred ordinances, agreeable to [the] letter of instructions sent to the Bishops and Presidents on this subject when the House was re-opened, they should be rebaptized for the renewal of their covenants before being recommended by the bishop. [Joseph F. Smith to William Bringhurst, Oct. 11, 1881; emphasis in original]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

40 years ago today - Oct 11, 1971

[General] TIME Magazine article, "The Whispered Faith," about. Modern- day polygamy in Utah.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

60 years ago today - Oct 11, 1951

[General] Marion G. Romney is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 10

Ezra Thayer: In 10 October 1831 conference of church instructed to remain with family in Kirtland until spring 1832. William W. Phelps instructed by conference to rebuke Thayer for giving disrespect to Church. (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Oct 10, 1831

[Brigham Young] --10-- Met with the Twelve for the purpose of holding a council, but spent most of the day in visiting the sick. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 10, 1841

Meeting of Twelve discuss previous "controversy" between President Joseph F. Smith and his second counselor Charles W. Penrose over whether it is necessary to confer priesthood before ordaining to office. This does not become churchwide policy again for almost six years. (3)
-- 60 years ago today - Oct 10, 1951


1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
2 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

60 years ago today - Oct 10, 1951

[General] Meeting of Twelve discuss previous "controversy" between President Joseph F. Smith and his second counselor Charles W. Penrose over whether it is necessary to confer priesthood before ordaining to office. This does not become churchwide policy again for almost six years.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Oct 10, 1841

[Brigham Young] --10-- Met with the Twelve for the purpose of holding a council, but spent most of the day in visiting the sick.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

180 years ago today - Oct 10, 1831

Ezra Thayer: In 10 October 1831 conference of church instructed to remain with family in Kirtland until spring 1832. William W. Phelps instructed by conference to rebuke Thayer for giving disrespect to Church.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 09

[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] Special priesthood meeting, "The question of whether a man violates his covenants made in the Temple if he is married civily after he has once been married in the Temple. Tba answer was No. That he has married according to law and a covenant made by the contracting parties therefore he does not violate any covenant. The meaning of the words "that he shall nothing (Sic) to do with any woman save those given to him of the Lord" refers more to the acts of whordom and illicit relations." (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Oct 9, 1911

Joseph B. Wirthlin is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (2)
-- 25 years ago today - Oct 9, 1986

DESERET NEWS publishes on front page of local section a First Presidency statement which condemns upcoming Salt Lake City performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as "a profane and sacrilegious attack upon true Christianity." Although statement advises everyone to oppose this production, audience fills Salt Palace to "near capacity" for musical's only scheduled performance on Oct. 12. (3)
-- 40 years ago today - Oct 9, 1971


1 - Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

40 years ago today - Oct 9, 1971

[General] DESERET NEWS publishes on front page of local section a First Presidency statement which condemns upcoming Salt Lake City performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as "a profane and sacrilegious attack upon true Christianity." Although statement advises everyone to oppose this production, audience fills Salt Palace to "near capacity" for musical's only scheduled performance on Oct. 12.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

25 years ago today - Oct 9, 1986

[General] Joseph B. Wirthlin is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]

100 years ago today - Oct 9, 1911

[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] Special priesthood meeting, "The question of whether a man violates his covenants made in the Temple if he is married civily after he has once been married in the Temple. Tba answer was No. That he has married according to law and a covenant made by the contracting parties therefore he does not violate any covenant. The meaning of the words "that he shall nothing (Sic) to do with any woman save those given to him of the Lord" refers more to the acts of whordom and illicit relations."

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 08

Joseph F. Merrill is ordained an Apostle, replacing Orson F. Whitney, who had passed away. (1)
-- 80 years ago today - Oct 08, 1931

[Brigham Young] --8-- I attended the dedication of the baptismal font in the Lord's House; President Smith called upon me to offer the dedicatory prayer. This is the first font erected and dedicated for the baptism for the dead in this dispensation. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 8, 1841

Brigham Young preaches that no woman "will never become an angel to the devil, and sin so far as to place herself beyond the reach of mercy." (3)
-- 150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1861


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1861

[General] Brigham Young preaches that no woman "will never become an angel to the devil, and sin so far as to place herself beyond the reach of mercy."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Oct 8, 1841

[Brigham Young] --8-- I attended the dedication of the baptismal font in the Lord's House; President Smith called upon me to offer the dedicatory prayer. This is the first font erected and dedicated for the baptism for the dead in this dispensation.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

80 years ago today - Oct 08, 1931

[General] Joseph F. Merrill is ordained an Apostle, replacing Orson F. Whitney, who had passed away.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 07

Amasa Mason Lyman: Appointed to serve mission to New York City 7 October 1841. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 7, 1841

Brigham Young changes seniority of apostles Wilford Woodruff and John Taylor and ranks Woodruff after Taylor, first time in 22 years. Says their ranking should be according to ordination date rather than previous ranking according to age. (2)
-- 150 years ago today - Oct 7, 1861

[General Conference, October 1916, Apostle Hyrum M. Smith, son of President Joseph F. Smith publicly attacked Catholicism claiming that it Â"is a great liability in any nation. It wields a power for evil... [Catholicism] does not promote civilization, it binds them in the thralldom of superstition.Â" Salt Lake Catholic Bishop Joseph F. Glass, responded, writing to Joseph F. Smith on Oct. 7, 1916 asking if Â"the sentiments expressed by Hyrum M. Smith represent the feelings of the Latter-Day Saints toward the Catholic Church?Â" Joseph F. Smith gave the letter to his son and Hyrum M. Smith who wrote a letter to Joseph S. Glass on October 11, 1916 in response:

Â"It would have been more consistent, in my judgment, had you submitted your questions to me rather than to the President of the Church, since I alone am responsible for the remarks to which you make reference."] General (3)
-- 10


1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - 19161007

10

[General Conference, October 1916, Apostle Hyrum M. Smith, son of President Joseph F. Smith publicly attacked Catholicism claiming that it Â"is a great liability in any nation. It wields a power for evil... [Catholicism] does not promote civilization, it binds them in the thralldom of superstition.Â" Salt Lake Catholic Bishop Joseph F. Glass, responded, writing to Joseph F. Smith on Oct. 7, 1916 asking if Â"the sentiments expressed by Hyrum M. Smith represent the feelings of the Latter-Day Saints toward the Catholic Church?Â" Joseph F. Smith gave the letter to his son and Hyrum M. Smith who wrote a letter to Joseph S. Glass on October 11, 1916 in response:

Â"It would have been more consistent, in my judgment, had you submitted your questions to me rather than to the President of the Church, since I alone am responsible for the remarks to which you make reference."] General

[Source: 19161007]

150 years ago today - Oct 7, 1861

[General] Brigham Young changes seniority of apostles Wilford Woodruff and John Taylor and ranks Woodruff after Taylor, first time in 22 years. Says their ranking should be according to ordination date rather than previous ranking according to age.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Oct 7, 1841

Amasa Mason Lyman: Appointed to serve mission to New York City 7 October 1841.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 06

[Brigham Young] --6-- I was very sick. Elders Kimball, Richards and Woodruff laid hands upon me, and I recovered. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 6, 1841

[1st Presidency Changes] David O. McKay Henry D. Moyle Hugh B. Brown (Third Counselor) Death of J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (2)
-- 50 years ago today - Oct 6, 1961 - 12 October 1961

First Presidency testifies plural marriages had ceased, and that cohabitation was discontinued.

Church authorities and lay members, familiar with the private sanctioning of plural marriages, were probably very surprised when they read the testimony of their leaders before the Master in Chancery, as Woodruff, Cannon and Smith all testified that not only had polygamy ceased, but cohabitation had discontinued and that the Manifesto also applied to Mexico and Canada. ( Quinn, LDS, p 50 ) Woodruff pointedly stated that the Manifesto applied both within as outside of the United States, in an attempt to get the government to return the church's confiscated property. (Van Wagoner, p. 154.) (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Oct 6, 1891


1 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
2 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
3 - Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm

120 years ago today - Oct 6, 1891

[Polygamy] First Presidency testifies plural marriages had ceased, and that cohabitation was discontinued.

Church authorities and lay members, familiar with the private sanctioning of plural marriages, were probably very surprised when they read the testimony of their leaders before the Master in Chancery, as Woodruff, Cannon and Smith all testified that not only had polygamy ceased, but cohabitation had discontinued and that the Manifesto also applied to Mexico and Canada. ( Quinn, LDS, p 50 ) Woodruff pointedly stated that the Manifesto applied both within as outside of the United States, in an attempt to get the government to return the church's confiscated property. (Van Wagoner, p. 154.)

[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]

50 years ago today - Oct 6, 1961 - 12 October 1961

[1st Presidency Changes] David O. McKay Henry D. Moyle Hugh B. Brown (Third Counselor) Death of J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]

170 years ago today - Oct 6, 1841

[Brigham Young] --6-- I was very sick. Elders Kimball, Richards and Woodruff laid hands upon me, and I recovered.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 05

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young spoke on the contents of the letter, [which had just been read by Orson Pratt] and expressed his earnest desire that the business might be speedily adjusted and a proper title obtained by the Church. [Nauvoo, Illinois - HC 4:428] (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 5, 1841

Gordon B. Hinckley is ordained an apostle Harold B. Lee directs the development of the Church correlation program (2)
-- 50 years ago today - Oct 5, 1961

Newspaper reports that general authorities have ordered BYU administrators and local church leaders to discipline BYU professor for giving lecture at recent Sunstone Symposium. Persons are dropped from LDS positions and threatened with excommunication for questioning wisdom or necessity of official declaration against symposia. (3)
-- 20 years ago today - Oct 5, 1991


1 - Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)
2 - Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

20 years ago today - Oct 5, 1991

[General] Newspaper reports that general authorities have ordered BYU administrators and local church leaders to discipline BYU professor for giving lecture at recent Sunstone Symposium. Persons are dropped from LDS positions and threatened with excommunication for questioning wisdom or necessity of official declaration against symposia.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

50 years ago today - Oct 5, 1961

[General] Gordon B. Hinckley is ordained an apostle Harold B. Lee directs the development of the Church correlation program

[Source: Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church]

170 years ago today - Oct 5, 1841

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young spoke on the contents of the letter, [which had just been read by Orson Pratt] and expressed his earnest desire that the business might be speedily adjusted and a proper title obtained by the Church. [Nauvoo, Illinois - HC 4:428]

[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 04

Seventies quorums in stakes throughout the Church were discontinued. (1)
-- 25 years ago today - Oct 4, 1986

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young made some appropriate and weighty remarks on the importance of more liberal consecrations and more energetic efforts to forward the work of building the Temple and Nauvoo House; and after purchasing Elder Wight's text, by paying him fifty cents, tore it to pieces and gave it to the winds, saying, "Go ye and do likewise, with all old claims against the Church." [Nauvoo, Illinois - HC 4:427-428] (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Oct 4, 1841

First meeting of All-Church Coordinating Council, the Correlation Program's administrative organization for restructuring "almost every program and organization in the Church," according to Harold B. Lee's biographer. This council continues at LDS headquarters as of 1996. (3)
-- 50 years ago today - Oct 4, 1961


1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

50 years ago today - Oct 4, 1961

[General] First meeting of All-Church Coordinating Council, the Correlation Program's administrative organization for restructuring "almost every program and organization in the Church," according to Harold B. Lee's biographer. This council continues at LDS headquarters as of 1996.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Oct 4, 1841

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young made some appropriate and weighty remarks on the importance of more liberal consecrations and more energetic efforts to forward the work of building the Temple and Nauvoo House; and after purchasing Elder Wight's text, by paying him fifty cents, tore it to pieces and gave it to the winds, saying, "Go ye and do likewise, with all old claims against the Church." [Nauvoo, Illinois - HC 4:427-428]

[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

25 years ago today - Oct 4, 1986

[General] Seventies quorums in stakes throughout the Church were discontinued.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

144 years this week - Oct 6, 1867

The first conference to be conducted in the newly completed Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City began. The building was dedicated eight years later on Oct. 9, 1875.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

143 years this week - Oct 3, 1868

Salt Lake City School of Prophets votes again to sustain Brigham Young's proposal to boycott all "Gentile" merchants, including Jews. General conference publicly sustains this boycott, which continues until 1882 and leads to esttablishment of ZCMI.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

143 years this week - Oct 6, 1868 (Tuesday)

The general conference was commenced in Salt Lake City. It was continued three days. For the first time in Utah, a full quorum of the Twelve Apostles was present at conference. A number of missionaries were called to strengthen the southern settlements. On the 6th Geo. A. Smith was chosen as First Counselor to Pres. Brigham Young, in place of the late Heber C. Kimball, and Brigham Young, jun., was called to fill the vacancy caused thereby in the Council of Twelve Apostles.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

141 years this week - Oct 6, 1870

Brigham Young tells general conference that his published talks are scripture.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

139 years this week - Oct 7, 1872

Apostle John Taylor tells general conference: "and if we have Presidents or Apostles or anybody that we do not like, let us vote them out, and be free men."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

136 years this week - Oct 9, 1875 (Saturday)

At the general conference the large Tabernacle, in Salt Lake City, was dedicated. A large number of missionaries were called during the conference.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

134 years this week - Oct 6, 1877

For first time, conference sustains John Taylor as president of Quorum of Twelve Apostles, office not presented for vote since release of Orson Hyde. Conference also sustains Twelve as "Prophet, Seers and Revelators" for first time in 41 years. John Taylor is sustained as Trustee-in-Trust with rest of Twelve as "Counselors."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

131 years this week - Oct 10, 1880

Joseph Smithâ€"History becomes part of the Pearl of Great Price as Church members vote on the canonized scripture in General Conference. Pearl of Great Price becomes fourth standard work of Church. By this date, the Church officially had four standard works of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

129 years this week - Oct 6, 1882 (Friday)

The semi-annual conference of the Church, which continued three days, was held in Salt Lake City; 78 missionaries were called.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

128 years this week - Oct 6, 1883

King David Kalakaua speaks at LDS conference in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii. He is first reighning monarch to speak at Mormon meeting. King Kalakaua's premier (1882-87) is Walter Murray Gibson, former Mormon.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

124 years this week - Oct 6, 1887

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Conference began this morning ... Meeting at 7 P.M. Most of the brethren present. Differences healed and we were one again. Thank God now we may unite the people for oh! they need a solid head that God may transmit freely the appointed source His Will.

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

123 years this week - Oct 5, 1888 (Friday)

The Fifty-ninth semi-annual conference of the Church commenced in Salt Lake City. It was continued until the 7th, on which day Brigham H. Roberts was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, Horace S. Eldredge being deceased.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

123 years this week - Oct 7, 1888

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [General conference] John Nicholson and Thatcher talked) Bro[ther] Nicholson made some remarks regarding the present condition of our affairs in Utah that were entirely uncalled for in consideration of the policy decided upon by our quorum and some of the leading brethren. [Criticizes him for making his opposition public.)

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

121 years this week - Oct 6, 1890

The "Manifesto" was unanimously accepted by vote in general conference. This marked the beginning of reconciliation between the Church and the United States, which effectively paved the way to statehood for Utah a little more than five years later.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

120 years this week - Oct 6, 1891 (Tuesday)

The general conference of the Church in Salt Lake City passed a number of resolutions, condemnatory of the false reports which the Utah Commission had forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

117 years this week - Oct 4, 1894

[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] "The main theme this conference has been on the Word of Wisdom and when Prest. Woodruff got up he administered a most stinging rebuke to Patriarch John Smith for failing to observe that counsel given by the Lord in the Word of Wisdom."

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

117 years this week - Oct 7, 1894

Wilford Woodruff instructs conference priesthood meeting that all presiding officers should live Word of Wisdom, and he threatens to drop Presiding Patriarch John Smith for office if he continues using tobacco and alcohol.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

116 years this week - Oct 4, 1895 (Friday)

The general semi-annual conference of the Church commenced in Salt Lake City, continuing three days.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

116 years this week - Oct 5, 1895

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] [General conference] This pm AH Cannon 27 m, M. Thatcher 22m Pres[iden]t GQ Cannon 35 m.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years this week - Oct 4, 1896

President Wilford Woodruff preaches in general conference: "The God of heaven knows what it will cost them for shedding the blood of the Prophet of God and his brother, and the Apostles and brethren who laid down their lives for the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ. It costs something to shed righteous blood. And the Gentiles have not got eighteen hundred years before them in which to pay the debt. The words of the Lord have got to be fulfilled upon them in the day and generation in which these holy men have been slain."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

114 years this week - Oct 4, 1897 (Monday)

The 68th annual conference of the Church convened in Salt Lake City. It was continued three days. On the 5th, when the general authorities of the Church were submitted to the vote of the conference, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff were sustained as members of the council of Twelve Apostles, to fill vacancies caused by the death of Abraham H. Cannon and the rejection of Moses Thatcher. Joseph W. McMurrin was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

113 years this week - Oct 7, 1898

At general conference Apostle John W. Taylor reports that in one rural area, 80 percent of LDS marriages involve premarital sex.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

113 years this week - Oct 9, 1898 (Sunday)

At the afternoon session of the general conference of the Church, Lorenzo Snow was sustained as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church, and Geo. Q. Cannon as his first and Joseph F. Smith as his second Counselor. Rudger Clawson was chosen to fill the vacancy which had occurred in the Council of the Twelve Apostles by the reorganization of the First Presidency.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

110 years this week - Oct 5, 1901

[Apostle Anthony W. Ivins Diary] Attended Conference...B. H. Roberts [said] Members of the Church at time of Martyrdom of Prophet not to exceed 28,000. 310,000 present population.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

110 years this week - Oct 6, 1901

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Chosen by President Lorenzo Snow and sustained at general conference as second counselor in First Presidency.

[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

110 years this week - Oct 10, 1901

Lorenzo Snow's dath. First time church president dies before being able to set apart or function with new counselors publicly sustained at general conference, Joseph F. Smith as first and Rudger Clawson as second counselor.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

109 years this week - Oct 6, 1902

President Joseph F. Smith has general conference sustain Presiding Patriarch as prophet, seer, and revelator, first time since Hyrum Smith in 1880's

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

108 years this week - Oct 4, 1903 (Sunday)

The 74th semi-annual conference convened in Salt Lake City. It was continued until the 6th, on which day George Albert Smith was sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brigham Young, jun. Francis M. Lyman was sustained as president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

108 years this week - Oct 6, 1903

George Albert Smith is presented to general conference as new apostle. "A cold wave passed over the congregation," general authority J. Golden Kimball writes, "and many expressed themselves to me as disgusted. . . . It is nepotism of the strongest kind since the days of Brigham Young."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

104 years this week - Oct 4, 1907 (Friday)

The general semi-annual conference of the Church commenced in Salt Lake City. It was continued on the 5th and 6th.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

104 years this week - Oct 6, 1907

At sustaining of church officers a man votes against Joseph F. Smith because of his admitted violation of Utah's cohabitation law. Smith has him ejected from Salt Lake Tabernacle. Conference sustains new apostle Anthony W. Ivins, who performed dozens of plural marriages in Mexico after 1890 Manifesto. Francis M. Lyman instructs newly ordained Ivins: "The Twelve are the Special witness of Jesus Christ & should be able to testify that he lives even AS IF he had been seen by them" (emphasis added). At general conference Apostle and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot tells of a traveling medicine salesman: "in order to hold the crowd until he could convince some of them that they had worms, or something worse, he had three or four niggers sing songs-by the way, I have been told that the niggers furnished the best part of the entertainment."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

102 years this week - Oct 3, 1909

At general conference, Apostle George Albert Smith stops speaking after three minutes as he begins to "tremble and perspire." Apostle Reed Smoot referred two weeks earlier to Smith's "mental trouble." Since Jan Smith's diary has described symptoms of his eventual collapse. At age thirty-nine he is first general authority whose debilitating mental problems cannot be attributed to senility. Hospitalized for ten weeks at Gray's Sanitarium in Salt Lake City, Smith does not recover from this emotional breakdown until 1913. Problem re-emerges in 1930's and in 1949-51.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

102 years this week - Oct 6, 1909 (Wednesday)

At the closing session of the general conference Levi Edgar Young was chosen and sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George Reynolds.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

101 years ago this week - Oct 2,1910

First anti-Mormon film, Victim of the Mormons ("Mormonens Offer"), opens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Film goes into international distribution, is publicly condemned by Apostle David O. McKay at next general conference. It is target of first censorship effort led by Utah governor (William Spry, LDS).

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

100 years ago this week - Oct 2, 1911

First anti-Mormon film, VICTIM OF THE MORMONS ("Mormonens Offer"), opens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Film goes into international distribution, is publicly condemned by Apostle David O. McKay at next general conference. It is target of first censorship effort led by Utah governor (William Spry, LDS).

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

95 years this week - Oct 8, 1916

Apostle James E. Talmadge announces in Conference that "The [ten lost] tribes shall come: they are not lost unto the Lord; they shall be brought forth as hath been predicted; and I say unto you there are those now living - aye, some here present - who shall live to read the records of the Lost Tribes of Israel..."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

87 years this week - Oct 3, 1924

Radio broadcast of general conference began on KSL in Salt Lake City, the Church-owned station. Coverage was expanded into Idaho in 1941.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

72 years this week - Oct 6, 1939

The First Presidency message on world peace was delivered in general conference by President Heber J. Grant.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

69 years ago this week - Oct 2, 1942

While attending general conference Eldred G. Smith is handed a note from President Heber J. Grant asking him to go immediately to the president's office. President Grant advised Eldred that he was calling Joseph F. Smith II to the office of Patriarch the next day instead of Eldred who, as eldest son of the previous Church Patriarch, Hyrum G. Smith, was the traditional candidate for this hereditary office. Joseph F. Smith II is ordained patriarch but is removed after only four years in office when it is found that he has been involved in homosexual relationships. Eldred G. Smith is ordained Patriarch of the church on Apr 10, 1947.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

66 years this week - Oct 5, 1945-7

The first general, unrestricted conference of the Church in four years was held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. (During World War II, general conferences were limited to general, stake, and ward priesthood leaders.)

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

65 years this week - Oct 5, 1946

First Counselor J. Reuben Clark's conference talk condemns United States for helping Britain kill 250,000 German civilians in two-day bombing of Dresden. "As the crowning savagery of the war we Americans wiped out hundreds of thousands" of Japanese civilians with two atomic bombs. "This fiendish butchery" by U.S. nulear weapons was "wholesale destruction of men, women, and children, and cripples." Still director of national pacifist organization, Clark continues to be focus of federal government's anti-subversive agencies bbecause of his public statements against U.S. participation in World War II, against providing military aid to anti-Communist forces in civil wars of various countries, and against U.S. participation in anti-Soviet North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

59 years ago this week - Oct 2, 1952

Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark warns women of Relief Society general conference against "self-pollution," prostitution, and "homosexuality, which it is tragic to say, is found among both sexes." He cautions LDS women against allowing homosexually oriented males to use them as male-substitutes in dating or marriage: "I wonder if you girls have ever reflected on the thought that was in the mind of the man who first began to praise you for your boyish figures." Clark also tells the ladies, "I forebear to more than mention that abomination and filth and loathsomeness of the ancients - carnal knowledge with beasts." Church Relief Society magazine publishes this talk in full.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]

58 years this week - Oct 04, 1953

General conference is televised live from Salt Lake City to locations outside the Intermountain West for the first time.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

58 years this week - 1953. October 8

(Richard L. Evans) : Called to the Quorum of the Twelve by President David O. McKay. His committee responsibilities included Church magazines, Temple Square activities, world fair exhibits and other Church information centers, the Tabernacle Choir and the Choir broadcast, general conference broadcasts, the Hill Cumorah pageant, Church historical sites, management of Church communications, public relations, publications, translation and distribution, and temple ceremonies.

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

51 years this week - Oct 7, 1960

[David O. McKay Office Journal] 8:30 a.m. Held a meeting with President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and President Henry D. Moyle. We three decided upon the calling of the following men to be Assistants to the Twelve: [Nathan Eldon Tanner, Franklin D. Richards, Theodore M. Burton]. After we had taken up the matters before us, President Clark broke down and said that he would not be able to attend Conference--said he is not well enough; that his legs are weak, and that he cannot get up the steps. I wept with him, and reluctantly said that he probably should not attempt to attend the meetings.

[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]

36 years this week - Oct 3, 1975

President Kimball announced in general conference the organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and the first three members of the quorum were sustained.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

14 years this week - Oct 4, 1997

It was announced in general conference by President Hinckley that the Church would construct temples in remote areas of the Church that have small LDS populations. The first were to be built in Anchorage, Alaska; in the LDS colonies of northern Mexico; and in Monticello, Utah.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

12 years ago this week - Oct 02, 1999

The 160th Semiannual General Conference marks the last general conference held in the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. The worldwide conference had been held in the Tabernacle sine 1867.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

4 years this week - 2007 6-7 October

[Hinckley] Conducted and spoke at the Church-"s 177th Semi-Annual World General Conference

[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

3 years this week - Oct 4, 2008

Calgary Alberta (Under Construction) Temple; Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Announcement: 4 October 2008; Groundbreaking: 15 May 2010 by Donald L. Hallstrom; Notes: Announced at the 178th Semiannual General Conference.

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]

200 years ago today - 1811 Fall

[Sidney Rigdon] Alexander Campbell's 2nd preaching tour, to: Steubenville, Cadiz, Wheeling, St. Claisville, Warren, OH, Charlestown

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm]

Today in Mormon History - Oct 01

Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates the 100th temple, the Boston Temple (1)
-- 10 years ago today - Oct 1, 2001

[Utah] New York Times reports official announcement that new edition of Book of Mormon changes prophecy that Lamanites will "become white and delightsome." Instead of continuing original reference to skin color, new edition emphasizes inward spirituality: "become pure and delightsome." (2)
-- 30 years ago today - Oct 1,1981

Brigham Young and counselor Daniel H. Wells have "a discussion on the use of artillery and contrasted the cannons with Guns, and gave the preference to Small arms. The President told an anecdote of a Ball fired from a Gun that struck a Knot in a rail & then rebounded back, and shot a horse in the heart, the ball was intended for a crow." (3)
-- 150 years ago today - Oct 1, 1861


1 - Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

150 years ago today - Oct 1, 1861

[General] Brigham Young and counselor Daniel H. Wells have "a discussion on the use of artillery and contrasted the cannons with Guns, and gave the preference to Small arms. The President told an anecdote of a Ball fired from a Gun that struck a Knot in a rail & then rebounded back, and shot a horse in the heart, the ball was intended for a crow."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

30 years ago today - Oct 1,1981

[Utah] New York Times reports official announcement that new edition of Book of Mormon changes prophecy that Lamanites will "become white and delightsome." Instead of continuing original reference to skin color, new edition emphasizes inward spirituality: "become pure and delightsome."

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

10 years ago today - Oct 1, 2001

[General] Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates the 100th temple, the Boston Temple

[Source: Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church]

Today in Mormon History - Sep 30

Louis C. Midgley of BYU's political science department attacks the New Mormon History and historians for a lack of faith. Joined periodically by David Earle Bohn and Gary Novak, he continues his vigorous assault on "objective" history to the present. (1)
-- 30 years ago today - Sep 30, 1981.

Priesthood Correlation program instituted. (2)
-- 50 years ago today - Sep 30, 1961

[Joseph Smith] Joseph draws up a bill of expenses caused by his trial in Monmouth in June 1841 and sends it to the deputy sheriff of Adams County because he officiated in the arrest initiated by Gov. Boggs. Joseph includes a note asking that the $685 be refunded to him as soon as possible. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Sep 30, 1841


1 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1
2 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
3 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology